Volleyball: Lake Dallas advances to area round

Lake Dallas did not do anything out of the ordinary to prepare for its playoff run, which began on a strong note with a 25-9, 25-23, 25-16 victory over Hereford on Tuesday.

Hereford won the state championship in 2008, but was no match for the strong serving of Olivia Chapman and an aggressive offense led by Samantha Llamas and Whitley Chambers.

“What we have been doing has been working so we continue to scout, watch film, lift weights and practice hard,” Lake Dallas Head Coach Heather Van Noy said.

The team is focusing on playing hard one game at a time and continuing to have a positive outlook during the ever-competitive playoffs. This is a team with a lack of playoff experience past the first round of 4A play.

“We have been playing in the moment and we have been successful that way,” Van Noy said.

Perhaps one reason for the team’s success is the fact that it is made up of a group who is very close and has played together since they were in intermediate school.

“We have strong individual contributors, but what makes us so strong is that team is more important to every one of them. The support from the entire roster is incredible to see. It is quite amazing and I have never coached a team like this,” said Van Noy.

The District 4-4A Falcons will play El Paso on Saturday for the area championship.

The Panthers believe they have the potential to go deep into the playoffs with their strong chemistry.

Something they do need to work on during the playoffs is consistency. While they are capable of solid play, they need to play at the highest caliber each and every game from here on out. Colleyville Heritage just needs to continue playing as it has been and of course, it needs to play cohesively as one.

“I need every one of them prepared and ready to do their job. It's definitely a team effort,” said Head Coach Jamie deTurck. “We set a high bar, and we are determined to meet it. None of us want to let each other down, and will fight for every point for each other.”